Board Diversity Initiative

Minority Inclusion Project’s Board Diversity Initiative aims to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Connecticut by helping boards to become racially and ethnically diverse and inclusive. Launched in 2017, the Board Diversity Initiative offers nonprofits clear strategies, training, and access to board-ready leaders of color to serve on their boards. The changing demographics of our country are creating a workforce more diverse than ever. With that diversity comes the need for nonprofit, foundation, commission and corporate boards to be more inclusive and more representative of the communities and customers they serve. Diverse governing boards can help institutions better align themselves with the communities they serve, stimulate dialogue and innovation, improve strategic thinking and decision-making and expand networks of dedicated talent.

Eligible Organizations

Nonprofits in good standing with the following:

Bylaws

Officers/Directors liability insurance

Job description for Board members

Board structure (meeting schedule, etc.)

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member organization of MIP's Board Diversity Initiative. Below are the dates of our application cycles for Cohort I:

May 1 – August 31, 2017

While all interested nonprofits are encouraged to apply for membership, 10 organizations will be chosen for the first cohort based on the results of a comprehensive readiness assessment.

Fees

Minority Inclusion Project is a nonprofit dedicated to building a more equitable nonprofit sector by developing diverse leaders of color and helping nonprofits achieve diversity, inclusive excellence, and authentic equity. We bill our member organizations on a sliding scale as an intentional effort to distribute resources equitably between organizations such as universities, non-profits, cooperatives, collectives, and community-based organizations with low to no budget.

Application Process

The Board Diversity Initiative is a multi-year, multi-step program that will work closely with the board, leadership, and staff of your organization to advance your diversity and inclusion goals. Our application process is designed to provide clear information about MIP and the BDI process; determine your organization and board's readiness for the program; and build a supportive network of nonprofit organizations committed to doing the hard work ahead.